Product Development Specialist

Nestlé and Starbucks are bringing together the world’s most iconic coffee brands. Starbucks’ robust product portfolio celebrates coffee with rich tradition – customer experience is paramount. Coupled with Nestlé’s mission to enhance the quality of consumers’ lives and contributing to a healthier future, this strategic alliance will create career opportunities that will drive innovation and go-to-market strategies, bringing the best coffee to customers around the world.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Technical lead on project teams to deliver innovation and renovation portfolio and optimization/improvement projects. Represent Technical Application Group as subject matter expert for product/packaging/process to transfer knowledge to key stakeholders. Collaborate internally and externally to build relationships in order to continuously improve technical skills and personal development.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Implementation of Innovation & Renovation strategy for the supported product categories in the Market. Implement/execute product/packaging/process development activities (e.g. mockup, bench top, pilot plant, distribution testing, and internal/external factory testing) to achieve project goals and deadlines to delight the consumer & customer.

Introduction of new product, packaging, and processes within the factories and external manufacturers. Collaborate internally and externally (marketing, T&P, raw & pack material suppliers, etc.) in a team environment to develop, industrialize, and launch new products, quality improvements, compliance, and productivity cost savings.

Continuously improve/optimize current product, packaging, and processes within factories and external manufacturers according to local business needs and supply situation and/or implementation of initiatives. Develop, approve, maintain, and sustain the product, packaging, and process standards and specifications.

Ensure adherence to all product/packaging/process standards. Comply with Nestlé requirements (includes Nutritional Requirement, Sustainability, Packaging Safety), external standards, and local regulatory framework. Develop and/or assist in the development of market level product/packaging/process standards within the Nestlé systems.

Continuous improvement of technical skills and personal development, while expanding internal and external networks.

Develop expertise for product/packaging/process mastership within TAG. Develop the competencies required for product/packaging/process mastership to enable manufacturing excellence. Provide guidance and input to Operations for Standard Operating Procedures.

Provide first line support to factories. Ensure knowledge transfer related to product/packaging/process mastership to eliminate the root cause of assistance requests.

REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM EDUCATION LEVEL:

A BS or MS degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.

Position requires some travel.

EXPERIENCE:

Prefer minimum 3 years of product development experience in CPG or related field of work in factory environment

REQUIRED SKILLS:

Ability to work in a fast paced and high performing environment

Exceptional organizational skills & ability to manage multiple projects and assignments

Strong communication skills: interpersonal, presentation, oral and written

Highly motivated, critical thinker, goal oriented and easily adapts to change

Computer Skills: Microsoft Office applications: Excel, Power Point, Word, Project

Preferred: SAP and CAPE Palletization Program